I had lunch today with a friend and an acquaintance. It was a fine lunch and we had some catching up to do. However, after leaving and heading home the one thing that struck me about this lunch is how some people spend so much time talking and almost no time listening.
In fact, this lunch was based more on borderline gossiping than anything else.
Now, I am far from perfect in this regard, but I do know a gossip when I hear one.
I was exhausted listening.
Came across this little pearl of wisdom: "God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Some people say that's because He wanted us to spend twice as much time listening as talking. Others claim it's because He knew that listening was twice as hard".
I think he was really on to something there!! Wouldn't you agree?
I vow, to spend more time listening, and less time talking!
Have a beautiful Wednesday dear friends.
Jo
Photos: Courtesy Flikr
I used to have the bad habit of interrupting when I was in agreement with someone, I guess I would get overly enthusiastic! After it was tactfully pointed out to me, I vowed to listen, listen listen. I learned my lesson. And I also learned a long time ago to keep my nose clean...so no gossip either!! ;-D
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jane
Jo,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that the lunch was a little dissapointing....it is hard to see friends acting in a way that makes you sad.....have a great day sweetie! Love you! Sandy
I feel your pain and it is sad but usually the ones who do this are empty on the inside. The not only exhaust you but they bore you to tears.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo~
ReplyDeletePeople like that just drain me. I know you would have rather been doing something else.
I hope the rest of your day was so much better!
LuLu♥
Totally agree with you,dear Jo:-)))*
ReplyDeleteMuch better when peoples can not only talking,but also good listening...
Wish you blessed,good rest of these week,my dear Friend!-)*
Love and hugs,
***Violetta***
OMG a lesson to keep in mind..I am probably guilty of this myself.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to thank you for all the get well wishes. I am slowly getting there but it will be a while.
Looking forward to posting your story next on my site. I post in the order I recieve them and Angie was just before you so I posted hers this afternoon.
Take care my friend and sorry about lunch
Love
Maggie
Wonderfully wise..and well said!!
ReplyDeleteKiki
Hello, So smart! I love your blog, thank you for your visit and for taking the time to leave your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteHugz,
Kim
Hello Jo... I'm sorry your lunch was disappointing... but I do know how you feel... I do love to chat, but I also love to listen... I think that's why I like blogging so well... as I read other ladie's blogs, I really "listen" to them... I also totally dislike gossip... and have distanced myself from some old friends even to avoid it... there are too many happy, good things in life to share! Love to you... xoxo Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness you brave soul - you joined my blog - Chatty Crone and all I did was chat about my self today. OOPS.
ReplyDeleteI do think you are right though - we need to listen more and talk less.
Although if you can believe it in some situations I am totally quiet - too quiet!
Welcome and thanks for joining me.
Sandie
I totally agree!!! And for anyone who has read Dale Carnagie's books, they would have to agree as well. What a wonderful man and author he was. : )
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I run away from people who find pleasure in talking about others...so destructive!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you shared this...I think we can all use a reminder of the value of listening!
Enjoy!
Cathy
Maybe she needs to start a blog! LOL!
ReplyDeleteSome people like to hear themselves talk and they never listen to things that might be important. I sometimes have to stop and remind myself to be a better listener and when I do, I always learn something new.
hugs
Sissie
Well said Jo...listening is so important...we would miss a great deal in life if we didn't pay attention to what others have to say!!!
ReplyDeleteI do love to talk...but I always try to listen as well, for I know how I feel when it is obvious you aren't being listened to... :0)
Cheers
Such a good reminder!
ReplyDeleteYou really do have to make a conscious effort to listen - I know that sounds weird, but it's true. K x
ReplyDeleteHear! Hear! No pun intended. :-)
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
I know what you mean ~ I have an acquintance that is the same way. You cannot get a word in edgewise and when you do, it is clear that they didn't even listen to one word you said and the moment you should even pause in the middle of a sentence, she breaks in with...anyway, random, random... with not even a reply to what you were saying... clearly not listening! I guess that sometimes we get so enthrawled in what we want to say that there may be another person in the room. You might as well be talking to yourself. At least then you know someone is listening! LOL
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, she should speak to God ~ perhaps a Confessional is in order!
Oh gossip. I know that one well. I think it is worse among my family members than anyone else I know. Thanks for the reminder not to do it. I hope your next lunch with your friend is more pleasant for you. I went out with a friend the other night for dinner and one thing I really love about her, is she is not a complainer or a gossip. I try to keep company with upbeat , postive people.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you
Gwen
It is draining isn't it? And the saddest part is that people who do gossip don't even realize they're doing it...kind of a way of life I'm afraid!
ReplyDeleteI too have distanced myself recently from people who do that. Also from the negative nellies out there...too much good going on!
I know exactly what you mean. A lot of times I am the one doing all the listening, and not getting a word in.
ReplyDeleteRosemary
Hi Jo!
ReplyDeleteA great big amen to everything you said!
XO,
Anne
It is exhausting...isn't it? I have experienced the same. When I went to lunch with a 'friend', she talked about herself and everyone else nonstop. I never said a thing. My whole life has changed in the past year and she knows nothing about me or what I've been doing this past year. And apparently she doesn't care. It just allows us to know the true meaning of a real friend...
ReplyDeleteCountry Blessings,
Cindy